Celebrating young Filipino minds: Triumph in int’l competitions

The exultation that swept over me upon learning of the recent victory of Filipino children in the 2023 ALOHA International Mental Math Competition held last July 30th is indescribable.

Fresh from their triumph at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Rheana Yasmin Campos of Caloocan City stepped into the limelight. Her awe-inspiring achievement was showcased in a roundtable press conference at the University Hotel in Diliman, Quezon City, where she demonstrated her remarkable mental math prowess. Together with Darlyn Faith Fabilane, an 11-year-old student from Tanay, Rizal, they clinched the coveted "Grand Champions" title.

This remarkable feat unfolded amidst competition from over 700 participants representing diverse countries such as China, Canada, Croatia, Cambodia, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Mexico and more. An essential ingredient in Rheana's path to victory was her mastery of mental math, nurtured through ALOHA's groundbreaking mathematical techniques.

ALOHA, a powerful acronym that stands for “Abacus Learning of Higher Arithmetic,” emerged in 1993 through the visionary efforts of Mr. Loh Mun Sung. He ingeniously developed a mental math program tailored for children aged 4 to 13, drawing inspiration from the abacus computational methods rooted in China and Taiwan. The triumphant journey of these young minds on the international stage underscores the efficacy of their education and training, which propelled them to secure esteemed titles.
The narrative takes an astonishing twist when we realize that Rheana is only 10 years old. Another astounding Filipino prodigy, Jake Conner Yao, aged 7 from San Juan City, secured a championship, while 9-year-old Ryan Warren Merdegia from San Fernando, Pampanga, secured the title of second runner-up. Filipino children are proving their mettle and abilities in international arenas, illuminating a path that warrants robust support from the government. To further fuel their journey, resources for training, transportation and accommodations abroad are essential.

The spectacle of our children excelling on the international academic stage, especially at such tender ages, never fails to captivate my fascination. Their feats unequivocally position Filipinos at par with their global counterparts, embodying a spirit of formidable competition. The achievements of these young champions reverberate as a testament to the dedication and pride of their parents. It's an achievement that warrants felicitations not just for the children but also for their parents, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in their victories. The commitment of parents to propel their children onto the international stage is evident as they muster support from politicians and socio-civic organizations, often leaving no stone unturned.

Filipinos consistently shine on the global stage, showcasing exceptional prowess in various fields. In a remarkable display of mathematical wizardry, six Filipino high school students emerged victorious at the 64th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) held in Chiba, Japan, securing three silver medals and three bronze medals. The year's commencement saw 19 young Filipino students clinch gold at the World International Mathematical Olympiad (WIMO) held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The winning streak extends to the realm of robotics as well. In May 2023, a Filipino student team captured the championship title in the Research Division of the 2023 Vex Robotics World Championships in Dallas, Texas. Pitted against 800 teams from 70 nations, their victory underscored Filipino excellence on a global stage. These victories are inspiring stories of Filipinos soaring above challenges and adversity, upholding the nation's pride.

Mathematics, often touted as the cornerstone of science, forms the bedrock of the future. These young champions represent the next generation of scientists, engineers, and physicists who will steer Filipino technology to new heights. As they mature and specialize, they bear the promise of contributing to the advancement of Philippine science and technology.

The Philippines' high school curriculum strategically places a spotlight on science and technology. This educational approach prepares students for the rigors of advanced math and science subjects across various levels. The curriculum encompasses specialized programs such as the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) initiative for junior high school students and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand for senior high school students. The resultant pool of graduates, largely hailing from state universities and colleges, comprises the crème de la crème in the field of science and technology.

A pressing imperative lies in producing thousands of experts in the realm of science and technology. The growth and industrialization of the Philippines hinge on the contributions of its scientists, engineers, technologists, and other related professionals. Regrettably, the allure of opportunities abroad draws some Filipino scientists, engineers, doctors, and other professionals away from their homeland, driven by the dearth of domestic prospects and issues of inadequate remuneration.

A solution emerges on the horizon—a strategic approach that calls for science course graduates, particularly from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), to serve the government and the public for at least two years. The symbiotic relationship between education and service lies at the heart of this proposition. Given the caliber of education provided at SUCs, this approach ensures that young talents contribute to the nation's progress. Doctors, beneficiaries of free tuition in SUCs, are bound to the Doctors to the Barrios program and mandated to serve in underserved areas for three years. This commitment, often forged from backgrounds rooted in science education, exemplifies the fortitude of these young professionals.

Indeed, the necessity to strengthen and refine mathematics and science curricula in Philippine education is undeniable. The achievements of our young champions resoundingly echo Filipinos' capabilities to excel on the global stage, bringing home medals and trophies as a testament to their brilliance. ALOHA's innovative approach offers a valuable tool to bolster the capacities of young minds, empowering them to solve complex mathematical problems without relying on calculators. The significance of cultivating speed and efficiency in mathematics can't be overstated, as these skills underpin the potential of our young mathematicians and scientists to elevate the Philippines toward economic development.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the foregoing article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or any other office under the Presidential Communications Office.